Fly without fear using these simple tips to combat aviophobia

Our love of going on holiday offers us the chance to leave our cares behind and enjoy some relaxation or exploring.

However, for some, the stress starts the minute a holiday is booked.

Aviophobia - the fear of flying - affects many people, with varying degrees of anxiety experienced.

If you’re someone who suffers from this common phobia, while we may not be able to cure you completely, reading on should at least give you a better chance of controlling your emotions when up in the air.

Block out the noise

Planes are noisy machines, and even the smallest bit of turbulence can make a strange noise.

Despite it being very rare that the plane will shake you about, the noises contribute most to a lot of peoples’ worries.

However, these sounds are quite normal and all part of the flying process.

If you’d still rather not listen in on the flight, purchase a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

Not only do they block out the sounds of the plane, but you’ll also be able to relax with your favourite music – making the flight go quicker in the process.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be known to help you relax or even fall asleep quicker, so there’s nothing wrong with a few pre-flight pints in the airport bar. Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

You should also remember that alcohol makes you dehydrated though, so drink plenty of water alongside it.

Don’t take this as gospel, however, as for some, alcohol only adds to the anxiety and worries, so if you’re worried about flying, maybe it’s best to ditch the booze until you arrive at your destination.

Relaxation and breathing techniques

Always remember to keep breathing normally. Holding your breath will only increase anxiety, so practice those breathing methods or even have a set routine practiced beforehand.

To help you relax, you should try taking a pen and some paper on the plane with you. This may sound like a daft idea, but it can work a treat. The minute you feel yourself getting worked up, take out your paper and start scribbling/writing/drawing, whatever
takes your fancy. This way you’ll be transferring your thoughts to the pad in front of you and not the plane.

Colouring books can also be a big help.

Put your faith in the pilots

You don’t feel nervous when stepping on the bus, the train or getting a lift off someone else (unless they’re a bad driver), so why do people fear the worst on a plane?

To become a pilot, you need years of training and experience, and it’s the most regulated profession in the world. Pilots are constantly being retested and retrained to make sure they’re on top of their game.